Otago stand firm for draw

Otago batted throughout the final day as their match with Auckland ended in a predictable draw after Chris Gaffaney and Craig Cumming posted a stand of 129 for the first wicket. Only two more wickets fell throughout the rest of the day as Otago resumed on their overnight score of 33 for 0 in the second innings, 147 behind Auckland.

The Auckland captain Brooke Walker employed nine bowlers in a bid to break down the strong resistance from Otago's batsmen, who scored steadily at just below three an over. Finally Kerry Walmsley struck, trapping Cumming for 52 (129 for 1). Cumming had seen off 180 balls and time was running out for Auckland's bowlers, as Otago clung on. Gaffaney (103) was joined by Aaron Redmond, who was equally firm and went on to strike a firm unbeaten 70. Tama Canning eventually broke through Gaffaney's defences (202 for 2), but not before he had posted 103 to put any hopes of an Auckland victory firmly beyond doubt.